FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 30, 2005

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu

DRAKE TO HOST CONFERENCE ON 'ISLAM IN AMERICA'

Drake University's Center for Global Citizenship will host and co-sponsor, along with Iowa Sister States, a major campus-community conference titled "Islam in America: Finding Common Ground."

The purpose of the conference on Sept. 9 and 10 is to promote a better understanding of Islam as a religion and of the diverse cultures and experiences of Muslims in American society.

The conference will begin with a lecture, which is free and open to the public, by Aminah McCloud, associate professor of Islamic studies at DePaul University. The lecture, titled "Exploring Diversity Among American Muslims," will start at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, in Sheslow Auditorium in Old Main, 25th Street and University Avenue.

Professor McCloud founded the Islam in America Conference at DePaul, which houses The Journal of Islamic Law and Culture and the Islam in America Archives. She is the author of many books and articles, including "African American Islam" and is at work on a book to be titled "The Religion and Philosophy of the Nation of Islam."

The conference will continue Saturday, Sept. 10, with lectures by nationally recognized authorities on Islam and the Muslim experience in America. Other opportunities include musical, cultural and book exhibits as well as several breakout workshops on various themes, including Women in Islam and the Experiences of Muslim Immigrants.

Pre-registration is required for those who wish to attend the all-day Saturday portion of the conference. There is a registration fee of $20 for the general public. The fee covers the cost of lunch and other expenses. The deadline for pre-registration is Thursday, Sept. 1. Individuals may pre-register by downloading registration forms from http://www.iowasisterstates.org/terengganu/islam_conference.htm.
Students may attend the Saturday conference without charge (if they eat lunch elsewhere), but must also pre-register. Students may pre-register by sending an e-mail message to david.skidmore@drake.edu.

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